Last Saturday, 24 Master Gardener and Master Composter volunteers came to Ryton Gardens, home of Garden Organic, for a day’s training on how to work with and support schools.

This exciting new course was run by two of the Garden Organic’s Food for Life Partnership education team – Ruth Hepworth and Malcolm Smith.

The day covered how to approach schools; how to plan with schools for growing throughout the school year; and how to do presentations and assemblies.

There were plenty of activities and practical tasks for everyone to share; and many useful discussions. We’re looking forward to hearing how volunteers get on via their activity logs…

All important feedback

Course feedback included:

“A very stimulating session…”

“Today has given me lots of enthusiasm…”

“I will now deliver better projects for the schools that I am involved with”.

Master Composter Jeremy shares his experiences

The next schools training session is the 8 October 2011 – although it’s already full! But if you’re a Master Gardener or Master Composter co-ordinator or volunteer, please click here to let us know you’re interested.

Further information

• Click here to see more photos from the day
• Click here to Garden Organic’s free resources for schools with the Food for Life Partnership – including courses for school professionals
• See below for more photos: MGs and MCs debating new activities to inspire young folk – and memory sticks in an egg box filled with information about working with schools…

Story by Malcolm Smith and Philip Turvil